Embassy informs about Latvia’s centennial during the EU Open House

On May 12, the Embassy of Latvia offered a chance to learn more about the centennial of Latvia, tourism opportunities, a chance to taste Latvian food and drinks, as well as hear Latvian singing and see Latvian dancing. Singers “Sudrabavots” (Silver Spring) and dancers “Namejs” showcased some of the best traditional Latvian performances during the annual European Union Embassies’ Open House.

More than five thousand visitors could taste Latvian products – chocolate by “Laima,” rye bread by “Black Rooster Foods,” water by “Amrita,” the Riga Black Balsam by “Latvijas Balzāms,” as well as edible chocolate by “Coffee Pixels.” People could also taste Latvian smoked sprats in oil, grey peas with onion and bacon, hemp butter, and long potato chips. Everyone could pick up free printed materials about Latvia – mostly produced by the Latvian Institute – many asked questions and were interested in visiting Latvia.

EU Open House takes place during the European Cultural Heritage Year and the month of May dedicated to European culture. The focus for the Embassy of Latvia’s program was the country’s centennial.

Latvia celebrates its centennial in 2018 in the period of several years – 2017 to 2021. The main message of the celebration is “I am Latvia” emphasizing that the greatest asset of Latvia is its people who with their work are creating present day Latvia and together with the next generation are setting the foundation for the future. Embassy of Latvia participation in the EU Open House event in Washington, DC is part of the public diplomacy program of Latvia’s centennial.